7 reasons why entering awards is good for business

by Paul Mulqueen - September 29, 2017

There are many different marketing tools and strategies, but one that can sometimes be overlooked is entering awards. And it’s not all about winning either, simply being shortlisted can deliver real benefits. Paul Mulqueen, Head of Small Business at eir Business, highlights seven reasons why entering awards is good for business.

Enhance customer trust and respect

Being an award winner or even a finalist can elevate your business in the eyes of your customers. By attracting wide-spread recognition for what you’re good you can heighten your customers’ opinions of your services. Industry kudos will likely transfer to customer respect and trust in your products and services.

Generate media interest

Award organisers and sponsors actively court press coverage of their awards. Media interest in the awards will often result in media interest in the shortlisted companies and of course the winners. This media coverage could broaden your own marketing reach and expose your business up to new audiences.

Develop competitive advantage

Winning or getting shortlisted for an award could help you to stand out among your competition. Winning in particular is a great way of raising your products and services up ahead of others in your sector. Potential customers conducting research before they commit to a product or service will likely consider the industry recognition you’ve received.

‘Award-winning’ tag is useful as a sales tool

You can use your ‘award winning’ tag (or even ‘finalist’ or ‘shortlisted’) on your marketing collateral from product sheets and advertising, to your website and customer communications. And of course, don’t forget across your social media channels. It’s a great tool for business pitches and can help you to reinforce that you are the best in your field.

Boost your credibility and authority in your sector

Winning an award or being short-listed is a solid third party endorsement of your business. Your business has been judged and endorsed by an independent panel, which can give your company a boost in creditability when pitching to new customers. Of course, winning an award acknowledges your excellence in a category or industry and cements your authority.

Build team morale

Being part of an award-winning or shortlisted company is a great coup for your employees. They put in a lot of hard work and getting that industry recognition can be a great way to enhance morale. Make sure to take advantage of the win (or shortlisting) by attending the awards and taking photographs of the team.

Allows you to reflect on what you do well

Working hard on a particular project, product or service doesn’t leave a lot of time for reflection. Often the simple act of entering a competition can crystalise just what you’ve achieved. By filling out the entry form you can take stock of just how much work you’ve done, where your strengths lie, and maybe even give you inspiration for future products, projects or services.

Did you know that the eir Spiders awards are now accepting nominations? For more information about the awards, the judging panel and the entry process and criteria for each category, please visit www.eirspiders.ie